CARY, NC . – SAS, the leader in business analytics software and services, has been named a 2009 Progressive Manufacturing 100 Technology Partner in connection with The Dow’s Chemical Company’s placement on the 2009 Progressive Manufacturing 100 list from Managing Automation Media.

The PM 100 recognizes 100 projects that have achieved distinction in at least one of the eight core disciplines considered critical to future business success: Business Model Mastery, Customer Mastery, Supply Network Mastery, Data & Integration Mastery, Innovation Mastery, Training & Education Mastery, Leadership and Operational Excellence. Dow was chosen for its Global Marine Network Design Project, a futuristic supply chain initiative projected to save the company money through the use of larger vessels for shipping chemicals, a hub strategy in the chemical supply chain, and by optimizing the packaging locations for chemicals and plastics.

“Progressive Manufacturing Award judges were particularly impressed with Dow’s ability to take a holistic, long-term approach to redesigning its supply network in a way that will allow the company to respond to future market dynamics with speed and agility,” said Jeff Moad, Managing Automation magazine’s executive editor.

An independent judging panel, chaired by Managing Automation Media Editor-in-Chief David R. Brousell, reviewed project nominations. The 2009 PM 100 winners will be showcased in the June and September issues of Managing Automation and Manufacturing Executive (EMEA) magazines. Winners also were honored at the conclusion of the Progressive Manufacturing Summit 2009 in Sarasota, FL. More than 200 manufacturing technology executives attended the event.